Boxer raises $2.4 million for tough reelection battle

The three-term senator has $8.7 million in the bank for what is shaping up to be a challenging election year for incumbents and the party that controls the White House and Congress. In November, Boxer will face off against the winner of the Republican primary: either former Congressman Tom Campbell, former Hewlett-Packard chief Carly Fiorina or Orange County Assemblyman Chuck DeVore.

“It’s great to see this terrific response from Boxer supporters as we prepare for the tough race ahead,” said Rose Kapolczynski, Boxer’s campaign manager, in a written statement. “With this kind of support, we will be able to reach millions of California voters and let them know that Barbara Boxer is focused on creating jobs and turning the economy around.”

More than 71,000 donors contributed to Boxer’s campaign by March 31, with 90% contributing $100 or less.

Campbell announced last week that he had raised $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2010; Fiorina and DeVore have not yet released fundraising details this year. Additional details about the candidates’ financial wherewithal will become clear by April 15, the deadline for detailed financial disclosures required by federal elections law.